Portable lamp switch



Dec. 28, 1965 o. w. SCHOTZ 3,226,502

PORTABLE LAMP SWITCH Filed Jan. 5, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 V N OR 072 0 M'c ia 2.

BY wow ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,226,502 PORTABLE LAMP SWITCH OttoW. Schotz, 14351 Ashton Road, Detroit, Mich. Filed Jan. 3, 1964, Ser.No. 335,589 3 Claims. (Cl. 20060) The present application is acontinuation in part of any copending application Serial No. 58,989filed Sept.' 28, 1960, now Patent Number 3,124,306.

This invention relates to battery-type hand lamps of the kind in which asmall incandescent electric bulb and a plurality of batteries aremounted in a casing together with suitable switch mechanism forcontrolling the flow of electric current from the battery source throughthe bulb. It is especially concerned with a portable lamp of thischaracter usable by skin divers and the like for underwater operationsand with a novel switch mechanism suitable for this work.

In said copending application I disclose a portable lamp for underwateruse in which among other features, a pair of contact means or componentsof the bulb energizing circuit are respectively in circuit with thesource of power and bulb of the lamp and are in constant pressurecontact with one each of a pair of spring contact means fixed to thewall of the lamp casing inside the latter which are elements of a switchmechanism also comprising a resiliently supported movable currentconductive link member and a movable current conductive circuit makerboth within an external pocket of the casing, the circuit maker beingoperable upon the link member to move it into contact with one of thecontact means while this circuit maker maintains a sliding contact withthe other'contact means.

In this construction a number of thecurrent conductive parts of theswitch mechanism are in said pocket into which water may gain entranceat diving depths, cause their corrosion and adversely affect operation,the parts are more vulnerable where the water is salt water. Moreover atsubstantial depths the link may be operated by the pressure of suchwater and prevent smooth operation of the switch mechanism.

The present invention relates to an improved construction in which allof the circuit conducting elements of the switch mechanism essential toeffecting the bulb energizing circuit are within the lamp casing andavoid the described corrosion problems and wherein the operating link isbetter protected against unintentional operation at substantial waterdepths by biasing forces of the spring contact means.

.Thus the present invention provides a switch mechanism in which atleast one of the spring contact means is normally biased out of contactwith one of the lamp circuit components and provides a movable linklying in a passage between the switch mechanism pocket and the inside ofthe casing which is operably intermediate this one spring contact meansand the operator or circuit maker of the switch mechanism. The link ismovable by the operator to actuate the spring contact means into circuitmaking relation with said lamp circuit component to complete the bulbenergizing circuit. The new construction also provides a flexible sealor cap at the pocket end of the passage which seals the link from thepocket and becomes a motion transmitting element along with the link.The seal prevents corrosion of any of the es sential circuit makingparts and the bias of the spring contact means inhibits unintentionaloperation of the link by water pressure produced by water gainingentrance into the pocket.

The principal object of the invention is to provide an underwater lampof the character in my copending application Serial No. 58,989 in whichall of the essential 'ice current conducting parts of the switchmechanism of the lamp are within the casing of the lamp and sealed fromoperating parts of the mechanism subject to water contact which arelocated in an external compartment or chamber of the lamp.

A specific object is to provide a portable lamp casing mounted switchmechanism comprising a pair of casing mounted spring contact means bothwithin the casing and in electrical circuit with each other, one inconstant electrical series circuit with the bulb and power source of thelamp and the other movable to complete the electrical energizing circuitof the bulb and wherein such movement is provided by an operating linkset in motion by a manually operable switch circuit maker located in apocket in the outer wall of the casing which acts upon the link througha cantilever and a flexible diaphragm, the latter providing a Wallbetween the link and cantilever sealing the pocket from the interior ofthe casing.

()ther objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing description and from the drawings wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of the lamp of the invention, partsbeing broken away to show the battery power source;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the head end of the lampof FIGURE 1 showing the battery power source, the bulb, and itsmounting, the current conducting elements, and the switch mechanism, thelatter shown in its off position;

FIGURE 3 is a transverse sectional view of the switch mechanism andcasing of the lamp in FIGURES 1 and 2 taken approximately on the line3-3 in FIGURE 1 and 2.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view of the switch mechanism of FIGURES 2 and 3showing the switch mechanism in Flash-off position;

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view as in FIGURE 4 showing the switch mechanismin Flash-on position; and

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view as in FIGURE 4 showing the switch mechanismin its permanent on position.

Referring to FIGURES 1 to 6 wherein similar numerals are used toidentify corresponding parts of the structure, the numeral 10 generallydesignates a portable underwater lamp structure made in accordance withthe invention and which broadly includes a hollow casing 12 ofelectrically insulating and waterproof material which casing comprisesan elongated shank portion 14, and an enlarged head portion 16 to whichis secured a releasable ring 18. Preferably integrally connecting a topportion 20 of the head 16 and a stop portion 22 of the rearward end ofthe shank 14 is a carrying handle or strap generally indicated by thenumeral 24. Positioned at least in part in the interconnecting portionsof the casing and strap is a switch mechanism generally designated bythe numeral 26.

Since the lamp is particularly intended for underwater use, for instanceby skin divers, it is essential that the casing 12 avoid electricalshorting and withstand substantial external water pressure and shocktending to collapse the casing inwardly against the inherent rigidity ofthe casing material as supported by such internal pressure, usuallyatmospheric pressure, within the casing. It has been discovered that arigid type polethylene synthetic resin or plastic, also known as alinear polyethylene plastic, is especially suited for this purpose andin fact suitable for making an integral molding of the entire casing andcarrying handle. It will be understood that where internal pressureshigher than atmospheric are desired internally of the casing the lattermay be provided with a suitable liquid proof check valve (not shown)through which air or gas under pressure may be delivered to the casing.

The shank portion 14 of the casing 12 is formed by a rearward or endwall 30, and a body or enclosing wall 32 whose transverse externalcontour as best seen in said copending application generally simulatesthat of the outline of a pair of intersecting circles or a FIGURE 8,producing an oblong section composed of a top circular wall portion 34and a bottom circular wall portion 36 defining generally parallelinterconnecting top and bottom wells 42, 44 each adapted to receive acolumn or tandem arrangement of conventional dry cells 46, 48 of anydesired number for instance three. If desired these cells may be of theknown rechargeable type and each well may be of sufficient length toaccommodate the charging mechanism for which connection to an outsidesource of electrical power may be provided in the end wall 30 of thecasing in a manner not shown.

In order to provide for some air circulation space around the cells andto keep the columns of cells in separated relation, the walls of each ofthe wells 42, 44 are provided with inwardly projecting narrowcircumferentially spaced ribs or protuberances 52 preferably extendingthe full depth of the shank portion 14 of the casing to facilitatemolding.

The head portion 16 of the casing 12 is formed by a wall portiongenerally designated by the numeral 56 and which is composed as seen inFIGURE 1 of connected cylindrical and conic-a1 sections 58 and 60respectively which are substantially coaxial with the top well 42, theconical portion 58 converging to meet with the oblong sectioned shankwall 32 of the wells 42, 44 to form an integral structure therewith.Reinforcing generally circular ribs 62, 64 are provided externally onthe conical section 60.

As best seen in FIGURE 2 the cylindrical section 58 and ring 18 arethreaded with mating threads as :at 66 whereby the ring or lens cap 18can be screwed in position to clamp a window or lens 68 of transparentglass or plastic between a pair of resilient rings or gaskets 69, 71 bymeans of the shoulder 72 of the cap 18 and the end face or rim 70 of thecasing section 56, the lens 68 and ring 71 being received in the bore 73of the cap 18 and the ring 69 being seated against the face 70. The lenscap also holds in place a suitable bulb and reflector assembly generallyreferred to by the numeral 74 the flange 77 of the reflector 75 beingreceived in the bore 73 of the cap between the ring 69 and lens 68 whereit is clamped with the lens between the rings 69, 71. In thisarrangement the bore 73 is relatively shallow and of less depth than thecombined thickness of the ring 71, lens 68 and fiange 77 to permit theirbeing resiliently clamped between the shoulder 72 and ring 69 and effecta water tight joint.

The reflector 75 comprises a forward parabolic section 79 to provide alight reflecting face 30, and a rearwardly extending cylindrical neckportion 82. The reflector is preferably made of metal but may be ofsil'vered plastic since it in no way provides part of the electricalcircuitry. The neck portion 82 supports a bulb assembly generallydesignated by the numeral '84. It incorporates a bulb 86of the typeprovided with a base 88 having a central metallic terminal 90 connectedelectrically to one side of the filament 91 and having a metalliclocating flange 92 intermediate the base 88 and globe portion 94 whichconnects with the other side of the filament 91.

The bulb assembly 84 also includes a metallic ferrule 96 tightly pressedinto the bore 98 of the neck portion 82 of the reflector. The ferrulehas an inturned flange 100 at its forward end which serves as anabutment for the flange 92 of the bulb and defines an opening 102 largeenough to pass the globe portion 94 of the bulb 86.

The rearward end of the ferrule has an outwardly turned flange 104 whichtightly holds a first contact means in the form of a forwardly dishedcircuit forming metallic disc 105 against the rearward end of the neck82 of the reflector. The ferrule 96 is formed with a rolled internalthread 106 adjacent its flange end 104 to threadedly receive acup-shaped threaded electrical insulation bushing 108. The base of thebushing is recessed on its outer face at 110 to receive a rearwardlydished metallic circuit forming washer 112. The washer is secured to thebushing by a central metallic eyelet rivet 114.

The bushing may be unscrewed from the ferrule 96 in order to insert abulb 86, the base portion of which as seen projects into the internalbore 115 of the bushing. A metallic coil spring 116 preferably woundconically at both ends and with the last turn of each end in a loop, islocated between the eyelet 114 and terminal of the bulb and serves notonly as a current conducting path but also to resiliently bias theflange 92 of the bulb against the flange of the ferrule to properlylocate the bulb filament 91 within the reflector.

The eyelet 114 is adapted to make electrical contact with the positivemetal capped central pole 118 of battery 4-6 which is received withinthe dished washer 12. Urging the battery 46 into contact with the eyelet114 are other batteries of similar designation arranged electrically inseries with this battery 46, the pole 118 of one battery being incontact with the metal base or casing 120 (FIG. 1) forming the negativepole of the next succeeding battery. Furnishing spring bias for thebatteries 46 in the well 42 and for the series arranged batteries 48 inwell 44, the latter group facing in the opposite direction from thegroup in well 42, is a metallic spring member 122 (see FIGURE 1). Thismember is suitably located in the bottom of the wells 42, 44 andincludes a base portion 124 abutting the casing wall 30 and inturnedends forming spring fingers 126, 128, the former in electrical contactwith the casing 120 of battery 46 and applying bias thereto and thelatter being in electrical con-tact with the pole 118 of battery 48 andurging that battery forwardly. The spring member 122 also serves as ajumper or terminal bar connecting the columns of batteries in serieselectrically.

Providing an electrical stop abutment for the casing 120 of battery 48of the spring biased column in well 44 and a second contact means forswitch mechanism to be described, is -a generally circular-shaped openor split spring ring which is spring mounted in substantially coplanarinwardly opening recesses 134 provided in circumferentially positionedpads or bosses 136 projecting radially inwardly of the conical wallsection 60 of the wall 56 defining the head portion 16 of the casing 12.

The split spring ring 130 has one end bent with a forwardly projectingshort lug 142 at right angle to the plane of the ring while the oppositeend is formed with a loop or hairpin-shaped portion comprising a shortleg 144 extending rearwardly at right angle to the ring and whichconnects by a U shaped loop 146 with a long leg 148 also at right angleto the ring, the latter extending forwardly beyond the plane of the ringto provide an elongated finger which may be gripped by the fingers ofthe operato-rs hand.

The ring 130 is rotatable relative to the casing in the plane of thering by sliding in the recesses 134 and may be readily removed from thecasing following removal of the lens and bulb assembly 74 by pressingthe ends inwardly to release the spring ring from the recesses.Normally, however, once the ring is positioned in the recesses 134 thereis no need to remove the same.

It will be observed that the loop 146 of the ring 130 forms anelectrical abutment for the spring biased column of batteries '48 in thewell 44. Also the open sector formed between the opposite ends of thering is of a size which is greater in width than the diameter of abattery. Hence by rotating or sliding the ring 130 in the recesses 134the loop 146 may be moved clear of the batteries 48 and they may beremoved for replacement or testing without removing the ring 130.Obviously the batteries 46 may be removed once the lens and bulbassembly 74 is released from the casing by unscrewing the ring 1'8.

When the batteries are in place with ring 130 in position with loop 146contacting the casing 1 20 of battery 48, a circuit will be establishedbetween one side of the filament 91 through bulb terminal 943 spring 116eyelet 114 batteries 46, spring 122, batteries 48 and ring 130.

A feature of the invention is the control switch mechanism 2 6 whichcontrols completion of the electrical circuit from .the battery powersource 4 6, 48 to the opposite sides of the bulb filament 91 byelectrically bridging the first and second contact means described aboveconsisting of the split ring 130 and the dished circuit forming disc1195 of which the former electrically connects with the negative pole ofthe power source while the latter is electrically in series with thepositive side of the power source through the ferrule 96 bulb flange 92filament 91 terminal 911 spring 116 and eyelet 114. This switchmechanism which is in part contained in a chamber 151 of the casingcomprises as seen in FIGURES 1, 2, and 3 a further pair of springcontact means 152, 154 which I designate the third and fourth contactmeans located within the casing and operating means for the contactmeans 152 comprising the rigid manual operating member tea, theresilient operating element and detent 158, the motion transmitting capand seal 161i and the motion transmitting link 162.

The chamber 151 is formed in an upstanding outwardly projecting hollowboss 164 on the top side of the conical section 611 of the head portion16 of the casing 12 and coaxial with the head and shank portions of thecasing as seen in FIGURES 1 to 3. The boss 164 is of generally Htransverse section and comprises a horizontal wall portion or floor 166of the casing extending rearwardly from the conical section to connectwith a downwardly and rearwardly curving wall portion 168 joining thewall 32 of the shank portion 14 of the casing and connecting with casingside walls 176, 172 which extend above and below the wall 166 thusforming inner and outer pockets 1'74, 176 of the casing the lattercombining with a cover 178 and end walls 181i, 182 to provide thechamber 150. The rearward portion of the horizontal wall 166 is somewhatthicker than the forward part thereof to provide a cylindrically shapedrecess 184 opening into the chamber 151 and to provide an upstandingcylindrical boss 186 having a cup shape depression 188 which connectswith the inside of the casing by a passage 1%. A further passage 192 inthe wall 166 provides for drainage of water from the chamber 1511.

The spring contact means 152 and 154 are secured inside of the casing tothe underside of the horizontal wall and in lapping relation by a rivet194 so as to be in electrical circuit with each other. 2 the contactmeans 152 extends downwardly and rearwardly to provide a horizontalportion 196 that hugs the underside of the wall 166 by the inherentspring bias of this element and provides a downward reverse hook portion198 having a free end portion 2% extending over the ring contact means130 so as to be normally electrically disconnected therefrom. Thecontact means 154 has a downwardly and forwardly projecting springportion 292 which is resiliently biased into contact with the contactmeans or circuit disc 1115, so as to be constantly in electrical circuittherewith.

The manual operating member 156 which is preferably made of a rigidpolyethlene resin has an operating portion 204 within-the chamber and anoperating knob 226 projecting through and operable in an elongated slot2113 of the cover 178' preferably of a rigid plastic or metallicmaterial which covers the pocket 176 and chamber 155 and is retained inposition by resilient undercut portions 211) of the walls 171?, 172 (seeFIGURES) the side edges of the cover plate 178 being shaped to fit theundercuts. The plate 178 may be snapped into position by spreading thewall portions containing the undercuts 210 and hence is releasably heldin position. The operating portion 204 extends forwardly and rearwardlyof the knob 206,

As seen in FEGURE ment such as a liquid epoxy cement.

these portions being normally resiliently seated against the undersideof the cover plate 178 by action of the resilient operating element 158.The rearward portion is of less thickness than the depth of the chamberand is stepped in the direction of the knob 206 by recesses 212, 214providing lands 216, 218, and 220 successively further from the floorsurface 222 of the chamber, these lands corresponding to the off, flashand permanent on positions of the operator 156. The forward portion ofthis operator has depending side walls 224 of triangular shape as seenin FIGURE 2 which serve as fulcrums and guides for the operator 156.They extend substantially the full depth of the chamber 150 at theextreme forward end and taper down to intersect the land 218.

The resilient operating element 148 comprises a generally fiatspring-like metallic element secured to the floor wall 166 by the samerivet 194 which holds the contact means 152, 154. This rivet is tightlyfitted in the wall 166 with or Without cement to produce a water tightseal. The element 158 extends rearwardly and terminates in a detentshaped end 226 which resiliently bears against the operator 156 to biasthe same against the cover plate 178. Moreover it serves as a springdetent to engage the recesses 212 and 214 to establish the flash and offpositions respectively of. the operator as seen in FIGURES 2 and 4respectively, the permanent on position being established with thedetent against the land 216 and the forward end of operator 156 againstthe forward wall 182 of the chamber 150 as seen in FIGURE 6. It willalso be noted that in all positions of the operator 156 the springelement 158 overlies the cap 160. Furthermore in the off position of theoperator 156 the spring element is spaced from the top of cap 161) asufficient distance and the land 216 is spaced from the floor 222 of thechamber a distance inhibiting accidental engagement of the contact means152 and ring 130 if the knob 156 be fully depressed in the 011 position.

The cap comprises a flexible or resilient, preferably spherical headportion 230 over the passage 1% and a cylindrical mounting portion 232the latter tightly fitting the upstanding boss 186 in the recess 186 ofthe chamber floor wall 166 so as to form a water tight seal therewith,preferably with the aid of a suitable water proof ce- The head portionmust be resilient so as to rendered movable to transmit motion to thelink 162. A satisfactory cap has been made for example of resilientpolyethylene plastic material.

The motion transmitting link 162 is freely operable in the passage 1%.It is preferably made of metal but can be a rigid plastic material. Itcomprises a shallow head portion 234 engageable with the cap and anelongated shank 236 the lower end of which is engageable with theportion 196 of thecontact means 152. The overall length of the link 162is preferably just short of en-' gaging both cap and contact in the offposition of the switch mechanism in FIGURE 2. I

The switch mechanism 26 has three selective positions, an off positionas shown in FIGURE 2 wherein the detent 226 of the spring member 158 isengaged with the land 22-0 in the recess 214 of the operator 156 and thefilament 91 circuit is open because there is no circuit establishedbetween the contact means 152 and 130; a flash position wherein theoperator 156 is moved to the right to engage the detent 226 with theland 218 of the recess 212 as in FIGURE 4 and to establish the member158 in proximity to the resilient head portion 230 of the cap 160 butwithout effecting movement of the contact means 152 into contact withthe ring 139 this only occurring when the operator 156 is presseddownwardly to the position in FIGURE 5 by applying pressure against thecontrol knob 206; and the on position where the operator 156 is moved tothe extreme right, i.e. forwardly to the FIGURE 6 position during whichmovement the land 216 of the operator 156 is brought into position overthe detent 226 where it remains until the operator is moved to one ofthe other two positions. In this position the operator causes depressionof the element 158 against the cap 160 transmitting its downwardmovement through the flexible head 230 of the cap to the link 162 whichmoves the contact means 152 into circuit closing contact with thecontact means 130.

In the flash position aforesaid the pressure applied to the knob 206 istransmitted to the spring element 158 and to the link 162 through thecap 160 without releasing the water tight engagement of the cap with theboss 186. In this operation the side wings 224 of the operator 156 whichrests on the floor 222 of the chamber 150 acts as a fulcrum and the land216 as a limit stop to prevent excessive movement of the contact means152.

It will be noted that all operations of the switch mechanism may becarried out under water without permitting water to enter the interiorof the casing. Moreover none of the essential circuit making contactmeans are subjected to the corrosive action of water or elements and theoperating elements in the chamber 154 cannot be rendered inoperative byany corrosive action.

It will be understood that various changes and modifications may be madein the above described underwater lamp and switch mechanism by thoseskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and intent of theinvention set forth above. All such changes and modifications as maycome within the purview of the appended claims are accordinglycontemplated.

I claim:

1. In a portable hand lamp, a casing of electrical insulation material,first and second contact means inside of said casing for connection to asource of current adapted to be disposed inside of said casing forenergizing a bulb arranged in circuit with said source and contactmeans, switch mechanism for electrically interconnecting said first andsecond contact means to complete said energizing circuit, an externalpocket on said casing defined by a wall portion of said casing, a coversecured to said casing over said pocket and defining a chamber with saidpocket for receiving at least a part of said switch mechanism, saidcover having a slot therein, a through passage in said wall portionconnecting said chamber with the inside of said casing, said switchmechanism comprising third and fourth contact means inside said casingand secured thereto in electrical circuit with each other, one of saidthird and fourth contact means being in electrical contact with one ofsaid first and second contact means and the other of said third andfourth contact means confronting said passage and being operable forestablishing an electrical circuit with the other of said first andsecond contact means from a normally non-circuit making relationshiptherewith, said switch mechanism further comprising operating means forsaid other of said third and fourth contact means, said operating meanscomprising an operating member having an operating portion within saidchamber, an operating link in said passage and a cap over the chamberend of said passage forming a fluid seal between said chamber and theinside of said casing and including a movable portion for transmittingmotion from said operating member to said other of said third and fourthcontact means, said operating member having an operator operableprojection extending through said cover slot and operable therein toposition this operating member in a plurality of positions including aposition in which it transmits movement to said other of said third andfourth contact means through said cap and operating link to move thesame in circuit establishing relation with the other of said first andsecond contact means for completing the energizing circuit for saidbulb.

2. In a portable hand lamp including a casing for receiving batterymeans for supplying electrical current to the filament of a bulb carriedby said lamp, said casing being defined by a wall of electricalinsulation material,

first and second contact means interiorly of'said casing, conductormeans providing a current conducting path between said first contactmeans and one side of said bulb filament, conductor means providing acurrent conducting path between said second contact means and one sideof said battery means, conductor means providing a current conductingpath between the other side of said bulb filament and the other side ofsaid battery means, switch mechanism for electrically interconnectingsaid first and second contact means, an external pocket on said casingdefined by a portion of said casing wall, a cover secured to said wallportion over said pocket defining therewith a chamber for containing atleast a part of said switch mechanism, said cover having an elongatedslot therein, and a through passage in said casing Wall portion definingsaid pocket connecting said chamber with the interior of said casing,said switch mechanism comprising third and fourth contact meansinteriorly of said casing and secured to said wall in electrical circuitwith each other, one of said third and fourth contact means being inelectrical contact with one of said first and second contact means andthe other of said third and fourth contact means confronting saidpassage and being operable for establishing an electrical circuit withthe other of said first and second contact means from a normallynon-circuit making relationship therewith, said switch mechanism furthercomprising operating means for said other of said third and fourthcontact means, said operating means comprising first and secondoperating members, said first operating member having an operationalportion within said chamber and having an operator operable projectionextending through said slot in said cover and operable therein toposition this operating member in a plurality of positions including aposition in which it will effect establishment of said electricalcircuit between the said other of said third and fourth contact meansand the said other of said first and second contact means, said secondoperating member being positioned in said chamber in confrontingrelation to said first operating member and in securement to said casingwall portion of said chamber and said second operating member alsoconfronting said passage and having a spring-like portion normallyresiliently biasing said first operating member against said cover, andsaid operating means further comprising a cap over the chamber end ofsaid passage arranged and constructed to provide a fluid seal betweensaid chamber and the interior of said casing, at least a portion of saidcap over said passage being movable in the lengthwise direction of saidpassage and a third operating member freely operable in said passage andserving with said movable cap portion as an operating link means betweensaid second operating member and the said other of said third and fourthcontact means, said operating link means being movable in response topositioning of said first operating member in said circuit establishingposition thereof to actuate the said other of said third and fourthcontact means into circuit establishing relation with the said other ofsaid first and second contact means for completing the electricalcircuit between said battery means and said bulb filament.

3. In a portable hand lamp including a casing for receiving batterymeans for supplying electrical current to the filament of a bulb carriedby said lamp, said casing being defined by a Wall of electricalinsulation material, first and second contact means interiorly of saidcasing, conductor means providing a current conducting path between saidfirst contact means and one side of said bulb filament, conductor meansproviding a current conducting path between said second contact meansand one side of said battery means, conductor means providing a currentconducting path between the other side of said bulb filament and theother side of said battery means, switch mechanism for electricallyinterconnecting said first and second contact means, an external pocketon said casing defined by a portion of said casing wall, a cover securedto said wall portion over said pocket defining therewith a chamber forcontaining at least a part of said switch mechanism, said cover havingan elongated slot therein, and a through passage in said casing wallportion defining said pocket connecting said chamber with the interiorof said casing, said switch mechanism comprising third and fourthcontact means interiorly of said casing and secured to said wall inelectrical circuit with each other, one of said third and fourth contactmeans being in electrical contact with one of said first and secondcontact means and the other of said third and fourth contact meansconfronting said passage and being operable for establishing anelectrical circuit with the other of said first and second contact meansfrom a normally non-circuit making relationship therewith, said switchmechanism further comprising operating means for said other of saidthird and fourth contact means, said operating means comprising firstand second operating members, said first operating member having anoperational portion within said chamber and having an operator operableprojection extending through said slot in said cover and operabletherein to position this operating member in a plurality of positionsincluding a position in which it will effect establishment of saidelectrical circuit between the said other of said third and fourthcontact means and the said other of said first and second contact means,said second operating member being positioned in said chamber inconfronting relation to said first operating member and in securement tosaid casing wall portion of said chamber and said second operatingmember also confronting said passage and having a spring-like portionnormally resiliently biasing said first operating member against saidcover, and said operating means further comprising a cap secured to saidwall and extending over the chamber end of said passage to seal thechamber from the interior of said casing, at least a portion of said capover said passage being of elastomeric material being movable in thelengthwise direction of said passage and an operating link in saidpassage, operably intermediate said movable portion of said cap and thesaid other of said third and fourth contact means, said operating linkbeing movable in said passage in response to positioning of said firstoperating member in said circuit establishing position thereof andthrough the medium of said second operating member and said movable capportion in operational series with said first operating member and linkwhereby said link actuates the said other of said third and fourthcontact means into circuit establishing relation with the said other ofsaid first and second contact means for completing the electricalcircuit between said battery means and said bulb filament.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,420,585 5/ 1947Crimmins 200 2,466,414 4/1949 Gits et al 200-60 2,564,612 8/1951Schneider 20060 2,599,295 6/ 1952 Thomas 240-1066 X 3,124,306 3/1964Schotz 240-1063 NORTON ANSHER, Primary Examiner.

1. IN A PORTABLE HAND LAMP, A CASING OF ELECTRICAL INSULATION MATERIAL,FIRST AND SECOND CONTACT MEANS INSIDE OF SAID CASING FOR CONNECTION TO ASOURCE OF CURRENT ADAPTED TO BE DISPOSED INSIDE OF SAID CASING FORENERGIZING A BULB ARRANGED IN CIRCUIT WITH SAID SOURCE AND CONTACTMEANS, SWITCH MECHANISM FOR ELECTRICALLY INTERCONNECTING SAID FIRST ANDSECOND CONTACT MEANS TO COMPLETE SAID ENERGIZING CIRCUIT, AN EXTERNALPOCKET AND SAID CASING DEFINED BY A WALL PORTION OF SAID CASING, A COVERSECURED TO SAID CASING OVER SAID POCKET AND DEFINING A CHAMBER WITH SAIDPOCKET FOR RECEIVING AT LEAST A PART OF SAID SWITCH MECHANISM, SAIDCOVER HAVING A SLOT THEREIN, A THROUGH PASSAGE IN SAID WALL PORTIONCONNECTING SAID CHAMBER WITH THE INSIDE OF SAID CASING, SAID SWITCHMECHANISM COMPRISING THIRD AND FOURTH CONTACT MEANS INSIDE SAID CASINGAND SECURED THERETO IN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WITH EACH OTHER, ONE OF SAIDTHIRD AND FOURTH CONTACT MEANS BEING IN ELECTRICAL CONTACT WITH ONE OFSAID FIRST AND SECOND CONTACT MEANS AND THE OTHER OF SAID THIRD ANDFOURTH CONTACT MEANS CONFRONTING SAID PASSAGE AND BEING OPERABLE FORESTABLISHING AN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT WITH THE OTHER OF SAID FIRST ANDSECOND CONTACT MEANS FORM A NORMALLY NON-CIRCUIT MAKING RELATIONSHIPTHEREWITH, SAID SWITCH MECHANISM FURTHER COMPRISING OPERATING MEANS FORSAID OTHER OF SAID THIRD AND FOURTH CONTACT MEANS, SAID OPERATING MEANSCOMPRISING AN OPERATING MEMBER HAVING AN OPERATING PORTION WITHIN SAIDCHAMBER, AN OPERATING LINK IN SAID PASSAGE AND A CAP OVER THE CHAMBEREND OF SAID PASSAGE FORMING A FLUID SEAL BETWEENM SAID CHAMBER AND THEINSIDE OF SAID CASING AND INCLUDING